Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Curiosity enters Mars' atmosphere

Curiosity enters Mars' atmosphere
Curiosity enters Mars' atmosphere Curiosity fires thrusters during the guided entry phase of its arrival at Mars. With its heat shield nose tilted upward 20 degress with respect to its direction of motion, it actually flies in Mars' atmosphere, banking in S turns to aim it at a target position and velocity for parachute deployment. NASA / JPL